BBQ | Wines of the week

Old reflex: for this special barbecue number, I thought of red. Of course, we can also drink white wine, depending on what we place on the grid – and according to our desires! A creamy chardo with grilled corn, a riesling with grilled citrus fish, an assyrtiko with lamb chops. But for the first sunny days, a rosé is essential, especially when it’s from our region. And a full-bodied red wine, to accompany grilled meats, but also a thirst-quenching red wine, which demonstrates great versatility.

Local: clear vision, simple and well-made wine

Vignoble Les Vents d’Ange has been established in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, in the Lower Laurentians, since 1998. The Lauzon D’Amours family grows hybrid grape varieties there and produces a limited number of vintages. In a young vineyard, like that of Quebec, you can be tempted to touch everything, but you also risk getting lost. But here, the vision is clear: to produce accessible wines, which appeal to a wide audience, but which nevertheless respect their identity. The rosé wine, the Marie Rose vintage, made from the Pioneer and Sainte-Croix grape varieties, offers everything one could ask for at this price. It offers a lovely fresh and fruity nose, charming, with notes of strawberry, red apple and raspberry jujube. Dry, light and fresh, it is a simple wine, but well made. For an aperitif, with grilled shrimp, halloumi and tomato skewers.

Keep: to drink

Vignoble Les Vents d’Ange Marie Rose Vin du Québec 2023, $13.90, (12123657), 12.5%, (on sale at $12.90 until May 20)

Consult the SAQ sheet

Thirst wine: versatile around the BBQ

Benjamin Taillandier cultivates 18 hectares of organic vines (certified since 2011) in Minervois, between Carcassonne and Béziers, at the foot of the Montagne Noire. He is part of the tradition of Languedoc winegrowers who seek freshness and drinkability in their wines. Quite successful here with this blend of Cinsault especially, with a little Syrah and Carignan. Pale in color, it opens gently onto a pretty nose, fine and full of fruit. The palate is super fresh, with crunchy fruit, a hint of spices and flowers. Light and easy to drink, it still shows strength and chew, with very light tannins which provide just the right amount of relief. Gourmet, it calls for a second glass! Served fresh, it is very versatile: cold meats, hamburgers, chicken wings, grilled fish with tapenade, barbecue pizza, grilled vegetables.

Keeping: 1 to 2 years

Domaine Benjamin Taillandier Laguzelle Minervois 2022, $21.75, (14113559), 12%, organic

Consult the SAQ sheet

Classic: with your grilled red meats

Dogliani is a DOCG from Piedmont, dedicated to red wines made from dolcetto. Among others in the region, it stands out with a more powerful expression of the grape variety. The name Dolcetto refers to the less marked acidity of the grape variety, when compared with Barbera or Nebbiolo. But it’s not gentle! Although it is very fruity, tannins are usually very present and slight bitterness gives it structure and chew. Grape variety and terroir therefore give here a dark, dense and powerful wine, but with a lot of freshness and the savory character of good Italian wines. Aromas of cherry, blackberry and herbs, with a hint of kirsch and anise, unfold on the palate, and a mineral impression emerges on a long finish with fine, but tight tannins. Pour into a carafe. Perfect for grilled red meats.

Keeping: 3 to 4 years

GD Vajra Monterustico Dogliani 2021, $27.05, (14959378), 13.5%, organic

Consult the SAQ sheet